The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James Smith (MCSN: 276495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. With his patrol subjected to intense Japanese machine-gun and rifle fire, Sergeant Smith, disregarding his own personal safety, worked his way, with great difficulty, around the enemy’s flank and from this position charged the Japanese forces, thus neutralizing the hostile fire and enabling his patrol to destroy the enemy in that area. His gallant leadership and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant James Smith (MCSN: 276495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 13 Ð 14 September 1942. Separated from his Communication Platoon when the positions of his battalion were under severe attack by the Japanese, Sergeant Smith, on his own initiative, proceeded with four of his comrades to the front lines and fiercely engaged the enemy in close combat. His great personal valor during this action in which he was wounded, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.